The Deadly Affair (2022)

Avoid this truckload of bullsh!t

A dating B who is connected to C who dates D who is the ex of A who reconnects with D who disappears and E dates H and marries with I the father of B who likes and hate C who cares for J the son of E who is D who used to cheat with A ...

Total ridiculous shitty crap. The story is basically piling some of the dumbest tropes in lakorns. These are sent into the face of the viewers the most ridiculous way to just outrage them and bait them into watching the next episode. Because viewers think they are going to be relieved of their frustration by one nice cute entertaining development which just never happens. This drama is just baiting and baiting and baiting until the viewers have swallowed all the bs but never had an entertaining and fun story to enjoy.

The plot is centered around the evil character who is the pivotal point of the story and all other characters evolve around that person and the bullshit that character is doing episode after episode. The two leads become frustrating and not endearing and accessory characters that I finally did not care to see together or not.

This has to be one of the worst lakorn I have seen and if I inflicted this to myself I surely do not wish anyone to do the same for himself. Stay away from this torture which will never give you any moment of joy or any real satisfaction of being entertained. Even if the performance of the lead actors is commendable I will give this 1/10 because I really lost my time on this crappy lakorn.

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Some dramas try to be a combination of everything and this one embodies that statement.

Ch3's newest airing drama, with the star James Jirayu who is a popular fan favorite that many people might want to watch this lakorn for. Yeena Salas who is a newcomer, but has captured a lot of fans as a young actress, is our nang ek.
(This review wwas written at 16/18 episodes; new commentary; just don't watch LOL this is Meena's lakorn and if you like the actress watch the lakorn but if you came in for the synopsis don't watch do yourself a favor and watch Secret instead, or Jark Sadtroo Soo Hua Jai)

This pairing is already a visual pairing worth watching for. Their chemistry here does not disappoint either, it is James Ji's one of the rare firsts being paired with an actress who is younger and matches his baby face. (I love noona romances, but Karat Ruk was one of the firsts for me to be not able to digest). James JI and Gina are on fire here with their acting and their match, it seems that this pair really enjoyed working with each other and I loved many moments with them, and this might be their best acting so far according to me imho.

Although that is not enough for defending this lakorn, no matter how good their chemistry here is I will always wish for another lakorn of them because this LAKORN is not a romance, no it is not a romance, yes they are a couple, yes they do kiss but this lakorn is not focused on one genre, explaining my heading, this lakorn has tried to be a romance lakorn, revenge, action, thriller but in the end all it is a mix of these things but they do not coincide with each other to be called a genre, these elements are weird and the directors at some point messed up because in the start it was definitely more than a mess. Either because Ch3's repeated cutting of episodes or because of the script but since Meena has been introduced this lakorn is only compromised of plot twist's and although this lakorn as seen in the comment section has a lot of fan theories, if the directors had calculated their math seriously, or at least read fan's theories this lakorn would be a 10 already, since the fan's in MDL have better ideas than what the directors tried with the plot twists, definitely making this lakorn a twist up and pent up mess. At the start, this was very addicting and still is (at 16 episodes; still ongoing) but the problem is, the romance development which many people came for is still unfulfilled for, yes we might get more romance moments, but at this moment I feel pent up with the missed potential this lakorn has. Despite all of these, our characters do have some depth and I have to praise Yeena way too much, because she worked with crying, and not seeming like a baby, she had cried with depth she cried almost every episode, and her acting reminds me of Yaya in Kluen Cheewit, I love how Yeena depicted all of Jay with her heart and she was amazing for an actress working with this messy plot, her actions at the start might make you repulsed, or might make you dislike her ( I never did though) but as the lakorn goes on, you would realize she is one of the strongest, one of the rare nang ek's (FL) that make you like her more than the pra'ek (ML) since Jay is such a character with depth, she is a puff pastry and to uncover her you need to peel off all of her layers, and the result is Jay who is relatable, is she a pain in the ass? Yes, but is she likeable and badass? Also yes. I love how Yeena made her character relatable, I've not seen many actresses pulling of this role, and usually the pra'ek over power's them either way, but this was Yeena's show despite her screen time and I am officially a fan of her.

James Ji also did a great job, I've only seen him so far in Padiwaradda and Buang Hong but I feel like his acting that he did not showcase in those lakorns, he did here, he worked best with Ohm who at the start seems like a multi dimensional character, but due to missed opportunities turns to two dimensional, (Hey at least he has two sides to him compared to other Pra'eks) and despite his character taking turns he did truly amazing with what was given, and exceeded expectations which is a pity, but I am offically a fan and cannot wait for his next lakorn.

The supporting characters did a great job, and the actress for Meena did an amazing job, I wanted to kick her out of the screen and portrayed a woman with too many secrets that are despicable for her own self and the others around her perfectly. Gun reminded me of the secretary in Innocent Man who loves the female lead but get's kicked to the curb, although protecting her is his main goal not confessing his love, so he was very admirable I hope we get second male lead's like him more of them, although this time I did not feel much SLS because it was clear Jay and Gun have a brother and sister relationship in Jay's mind. He would have been a cute couple with Jee but now I don't think they will be paired together, maybe in the end implied as Jee is a cute girl and I hope in the end she is truly happy, same for Gun whether they will end up with each or not. As per comedic characters, Win and Viva were cute and I liked them. One character that should HAVE not given much thought or screen time to is Mr. Cannot keep it in his pant's (Suchart-Jay's Father who I don't like calling by his name because he should have been named Mr. Cannot Keep it in his Pant's but sadly he is not named as that.

If you want to watch this lakorn (I'm writing a CW Article on this do check it out when its out if you want for more depth, actually no this lakorn does not deserve it so this production is halted)

Positive Points
OST (It was Ch3's OST so it's great one of few things they can do well is this)
Mark (he is one of the cutest children in Lakorn Land even if his mom is a bitch he is well mannered and I don't know where he got those manners but he is the cutest pie ever, I want to boop his nose, ok sorry for ranting over the cuteness of Mark)

That's it
Also chemistry but we could explore that so no,

Final Verdict:
Do not watch your doing yourself a favor.

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Wasted potential, wasted casts, wasted chemistry, and wasted energy.

The Deadly Affair have so much potential to be something great and beautiful but it fell short. The plot was something unique and different but it seem like they lost focus on what they were trying to do. There's was a lot of disappointment in this lakorn but I don't absolutely hate it. I just wish they would of written the story to be better. It also look like we were left missing some scene that didn't make it to many of the episodes. The logistics and details of this lakorn was poorly written, it almost as if they didn't even bother to line up the timeline.

I definitely agreed that the plot was building too much on Meena and that we didn't have enough of the main leads together or the development of them. In fact, I actually like that in the beginning they show the process of the lead grief and loss. However, it wasn't clear to me when Ohm fell in love with Jay. One moment it seem Ohm has finally moved on and probably starting to fall for Jay but doesn't want to admit to the feelings because of the death surrounding Pat. Then one moment he is hung up on Mink. Point is, to me Jay feel like an option to Ohm.

FYI: if you do not want spoiler stop reading!

It became quite obvious that Pat and Mink have something going on when they both lied about their whereabouts at that restaurant scene. We have Pat who appears to be a decent and nice guy but so many red flag with him when he lied about saving Jay. After their encounter they began dating and about to get marry when SPOILER Mink just happen to crash into Pat car killing him instantly. Ohm being the person he is took the fault in place of Mink because the thought of his pregnant girlfriend in jail was unbearable. Fast forward, Mink supposedly died and when Ohm came out of jail he was devastated to hear the news.

Jay was outraged that Ohm got an early release and did everything in her power to sabotage Ohm career and life. Eventually incident upon incident made Jay realize that Ohm has been saving her life from the start. So now instead of Jay revenge and the development of Jay and Ohm, it suddenly became all about the mysterious Meena (eye rolled).

I am quite disappointed that Meena is Mink. I had hope that Mink was truly dead and that Meena could of just been a friend or an old lover of Ohm. I absolutely hate that they went this route for Mink and Meena. I hate how they have to make Mink the antagonist, like why couldn't she and Ohm just had a pure and innocent love.

In the previous works that I have watched of Gina, The Deadly Affair will have to be Gina strongest work thus far. Gina character for once is not overshadowed by other characters, she actually stand out. Jay is one of those character where you either hate or love her. In the beginning Jay character may come off as an annoying brat who just want to be shower with love and attention. However, I see her character as someone who have experienced trauma and have a lot of healing to do. Jay witnessed her mother death, the result of a drunk driver. The first loss and grief. Doesn't matter how many years will past, grief is something that stay within people. Jay feel like the love from her father is nonexistent, she feel like her effort and work is never enough for her father. This is not a case of daddy issue. It is about trying to be good enough for the people who deem us not worthy yet. It's about receiving recognition/validation for our hard work and that we exist. Jay is far from being a rich and annoying brat. Don't get me wrong, I have watch countless lakorns where the FL character is just straight up annoying, immature or act out of jealousy. With that said, i do find one annoying thing about Jay character, is how she so up in her dad, Meena and Ohm business. That girl is finding way to hurt herself to the end.

I am glad to see James in a different perspective. I have seen him played too much comedic characters so Ohm was refreshing to watch. Ohm also experienced his own loss, his mother and girlfriend...child..... In some part I can sympathize with Ohm feelings and why he keep going after Meena but it got to a point where I just pity him now. I understand that for Ohm he never got any closure, the "death" of Mink and his unborn child was so sudden without any explanation. His love still linger for Mink and it only make matter worse when Meena show up reminding Ohm of Mink. Then of course once we know the truth about Mink and Meena this only make Ohm want to get her back. I do appreciate that Ohm had to wrap things up with Mink before actually pursuing Jay, because the feelings was more genuine that way. Ohm is not the brightest ML lol, so bare with it.

This lakorn was focus on loss/grief and how one can heal from that. How sometime when two people who have experience the same pain can find peace and happiness together. How can one begin to be better when they have yet to be heal from the things that are hurting them. Ohm will learn to love again once he finally let go of Mink. Jay have learned that she too can love again and that sometime you can love another person just as much.

Overall, I can't say I will rewatch, I liked it while it lasted but definitely not an enjoyable lakorn. James and Gina really do have amazing chemistry, hopefully when they do reunite in the future they will be bless with a great script because clearly TDA did not do their chemistry justice. This was a wasted potential of James and Gina.

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Let comments be your guide.

I wasn't going to review it, but this happens far too much lately in modern dramas. The story leaves the synopsis and wanders into the territory of a production wanting the ultimate reveal with jump scares, cliffhangers and titillation. Not thinking that the reason you watch a romance tag, is to follow your mains through a love story. Bitter, or sweet. We can take it - it's love!

What I can't take, is what they did here. Screen-time for our mains was nonexistent. Do, we want to watch the mains in a platonic relationship, or watch the male lead confess his love to the second female lead? Probably not, romance remember. From, what I can gather from other sources; most of the main couple's romance was edited out of the actual series. But, available in promotional vids, and stills on twitter posted after in protest. And then, that hug just before the end.

I will always remember the second female lead (the ex) and that tearful gripping hug with the male lead. Just before the beach scene where she hugs the son she had with someone else; right after leaving the female lead for dead on the mountain under the less than attentive male lead's attentions. Who left his maybe girlfriend laying unconscious to pursue his ex (SFL, the female lead's step-mom) down said hill to be available for that hug. All, within 15 minutes of the closing credits. Life is good in Meena Land (fear that name) - But, leaves a bitter aftertaste. Not recommended.

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Sorry James and Gina, but you're not the main leads of the show

Story:
Let us start with our Marimar, Meena/Mink, the poor woman who slept with every main male characters of the show except for Gun.

Of course, we need to highlight Mr Cant keep it in his pants, Suchart, who was madly, deeply in love with our Marimar.

The lakorn went downhill because sorry, as much as how the writer wants us to sympathize with Meena, we just can't. She's no joker, but more like a nympho.

The quote says, Revenge destroys us. But not for Meena, because of her being the Marimar, surpriseee she got away with her bad karma. Suchart forgave her. What a perfecr love story, it's annoying how they are not the ones closing the lakorn. Like, come on, the lakorn already evolved around them, why can't they be the one who'll be beside the 'The End'?

Acting/Casting:

I have no say with the casting. They are all fit for the character. No chemistry for Suchart and Meena which I find annoying. You had one job, tss. Ohm and Jay are perfect. As for Gun and Jee, I dont think so.

I'd like to commend Gina for her acting skills. Girl, yoy deserve a bucket award to catch all your tears. Kidding aside, you deserve way more lakorns.

Namwhan, you're a good Nang'ek and villain. That's a good way to keep yourself in the show business for a long time.

James, Improved a bit. Delivered his character. For Suchart, it's great also.

The production took 2 years to create the lakorn with pandemic going. I have to say, kudos to them for finishing the show. I didnt like the script, but it could have been much better if they organized the story. Messed up. Sorry.

Hey, you can rewatch it if you love the love story of Suchart and Meena. Aren't they a lovely couple?

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Not Good

Positive: The actors put in a good performance. I really liked the actors.

Negative: The story was bad. Too much happened and nothing made sense. The love affair between the main characters was horrible. Both had no chemistry at all. And I didn't understand how she could love him at all. I also didn't understand what he actually wanted all along. Did he love her? Was he taking advantage of her? The end was a real disaster. All the actions that happened before and then we get an ending that doesn't fit at all.

I can't recommend this drama. It was frustrating to watch all the episodes.

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Don't be fooled by summary

Summary is just for first few episodes, story takes a whole new turn after the island arc. The island arc in itself was good and I hoped it was longer but sadly it isn't and the rest of the show just a weirdly twisted convoluted mess.

Let's talk about the problems first

First Problem: PLOT! The plot is incoherent convoluted mess. There are rudimentary twists just for the sake of twists. The narrative keeps on shifting from one stream to another. Sometimes the plot seems to be about revenge, other times about business politics, many times about a femme fatale and many other times about unrealistically complicated relationships. There is no main focus at all. Not to mention, despite having so many twists it becomes predictable. The twists themselves become predictable to the point of absolute boredom.

Second Problem: CHARACTERIZATION! The characterization is abnormal tbh. For the whole time, I was not able to comprehend the motivations of these people at all. Every single decision they take could lead only to torture for themselves, nothing else. So why are they taking these decisions? What an oddity. Seriously, I have rarely seen such a weird characterization. Is it good or is it bad? Its....ummm....ridiculous tbh.

Third Problem: ROMANCE! There is a problem in this area too sadly and actually quite a different one from what you would generally expect. The chemistry is not lacking tbh but...its....ummm....erratic to say the least. So this is how it goes, in one scene main leads are madly in love and in next they are meeting each other for the first time. That's how inconsistent the chemistry is., and not just for main leads but almost everyone. The relationships go off and on without any reason or plot changes. Most of the times you will find yourself confused about who loves who or why.

For the good parts, I would say, acting was decent, production was quite good in island arc but okayish afterwards and OST was decent.

Overall, skipped some watched some. Its watchworthy that much I could say, but average at best. 5/10

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Can believe my eyes, found beauty!!!

Amazing drama..!
According to me a must watch.
The story ended a bit abruptly but considering the overall story and how the characters are built, I love it!!!
Definitely no regrets, the actors did a phenomenal job and the writers did not fail to amaze me with this story line.
Quite disappointed with the writers, because apart from the thriller part I hope of having more of the romance between the leads.
The second leads enjoy a good amazing of screen time.
It is a bit underrated but the actors did Justin to the story.
I love the drama!!! I am head over heels for James Jirayu, ever since I watched the drama.
I would suggest it to be watched by those who like drama and a similar story line. As it can be disappointing for some..!

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